For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6-7
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:8-11
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. —Romans 10:9
TWO REACTIONS to Jesus’ birth that speak volumes..
Joseph – found out his wife was pregnant. Made plans to divorce her quietly. An angel of the Lord showed up and explained that Jesus was a gift for all from God….even if it looked bad that his wife was pregnant (without being married).
Herod: threatened by another king. No one will usurp my throne. Decreed every male child under 2 be killed.
Honestly, whether we acknowledge it or not…we have more of Herod’s response then we think:
We have BURGER KING faith. NOT KING OF KINGS FAITH.
“Have it your way.”
Two ingredients to following Jesus.
Faith
Surrender
‘As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ”
“Teacher,” he declared, “
.” Jesus looked at him and . “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” —Mark 10:17-22
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
If Jesus isn’t Lord of all, He isn’t Lord at all.
THRONE Illustration
-Money
-Popularity
-Desires
-Substance
-Relationships
-Success
-Heart
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked, who really knows how bad it is? —Jeremiah 17:9
-Me
As long as you live as the Lord of your own life… you will live an empty, broken, unfulfilling life.
The invitation of Jesus isn’t just to accept a savior, but to surrender to Him as Lord.
TO Repent.
Giving him the most important position in our lives…give him the throne.
Let’s get practical because…most of us…
We treat Jesus more like a consultant than a Lord.
When Jesus is Lord, obedience isn’t optional.
Jesus gave the RICH YOUNG RULER a command. Lay down what you have and follow me.
HE couldn’t obey, so he walked away.
Everything about our world conditions us to be rebellious to authority.
Parent, Boss, Pastor, Teacher…
We think it’s unloving for someone to correct us. NO?
Why, as a parent, did I force my kids to wear a life jacket or floaties before they knew how to swim? Because I was a fun suck or because I love them and wanted them to live?
Why do I force my kids to go bed at a certain time? Because I’m a fun suck or because I love the and know its good for them to get appropriate amounts of sleep. Good for the rest of us too I might add.
I don’t want to force my kids to go to church pastor. That’s great. Do you force your kids to go to school?
For the Lord disciplines those he loves. —Hebrews 12:6
If you love me, obey my commandments. —John 14:15
How are you or your kids going to obey Jesus, if they don’t know what he actually commands them/you to do.
When Jesus is Lord, surrender isn’t a suggestion.
Sleep with my girlfriend…you forgive, right?
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. —1 Corinthians 6:18
Bible is outdated. Out of touch.
The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. —Isaiah 40:8
I don’t have to go to church right?
And on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. —Matthew 16:18
But kids are in sports, dance, bed on Sunday.
Direct your children on the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. —Proverbs 22:6
But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it. —Matthew 7:14
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. —Psalm 84:10
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? —Matthew 16:24-28
When Jesus is Lord, freedom is your future.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ’ ‘“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ’ —John 8:31-36
When you are the Lord of your life you are a slave to sin.
But when Jesus is the Lord of your life you will be truly free.
When you are on the throne guess what else is on the throne.
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Addiction
-Insecurity
-Emptiness
-Fear
-Sin
-Pain
-Bitterness
-Confusion
-Bondage
If you sit on the throne, all of that stuff sit with you, because you are a slave.
But if Jesus sits on the throne. Guess what
-Instead of anxiety – Peace
-Instead of depression – Joy
-Instead of addiction - Strength
-Instead of insecurity – Confidence
-Instead of Emptiness – Purpose
-Instead of Fear – Power
-Instead of Sin – Forgiveness
-Instead of pain – Healing
-Intead of bitterness – Love
-Instead of confusion – Jesus brings Clarity
-Instead of bondage because you are trying to be your own lord. Jesus sits on the throne - FREEDOM
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. —Romans 10:9